Majority of the symptoms can be treated using natural or home remedies but if the infection is caused by bacteria then you may need antibiotics.

The first step to prevent an infection is to treat the cold symptoms. The moment you show signs it is important to find an effective method to clear sinus congestion.

If this step is carried out successfully you will soon find relief and perhaps prevent sinusitis from recurring.

Home remedies for sinus infection can be products or certain techniques that you can find and use in the comfort of your home environment.

Let's start with herbs.

Herbal Remedies

There are some herbs that are found in the kitchen or garden that can actually reduce infection or at least stop them from spreading. But not all pt them are suitable and those that do usually possess antiseptic, anti-microbial, anti-bacterial and decongestant properties.

Eucalyptus and lemon balm are used for their antibacterial and expectorants properties meaning they are able to reduce mucus.

Garlic, a natural antibiotic that is popularly used in the kitchen is one of the best. The active component Allicin has been known to kill bacteria, boosts the immune system and prevent infection.

This natural herb does not interfere with the flora in your intestine unlike prescription antibiotics which tend to kill the good and bad.

Eating raw garlic is the best way to fight infection but if you dislike the taste they are available as tablets and capsules.

Ginger is another herb which you can use by steeping thin slices in hot water for 10 minutes and drink it as tea. Inhaling the warm vapors can also relieve pain and pressure.

Alkylamides found in the roots of Echinacea may help to reduce the period of cold symptoms and viruses attacking the upper respiratory tract.

Fenugreek and horseradish are also beneficial to dry up mucus and relieve sinus pressure.

Golden Seal an anti-microbial and immune booster herb is also beneficial for your respiratory conditions.

Essential Oil

Oil extracted from herbal plants has played an important role in our lives to treat many health issues from relieving headache, toothache to sinus problems.

Oregano oil with its anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties has been used to treat sinusitis. Add 1 to 2 drops in water or juice and drink it several times a day until your condition has improved.

Another usage is to mix few drops with a carrier oil and massage or rub it directly at the opening of your nose and above your eyes. You can also use peppermint oil to break up mucus.

Manuka Honey

Honey is known to have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antiseptic effect which is ideal for your sinus infection. Just take a teaspoon of New Zealand Manuka honey each morning until you see signs of improvement.

Alternate way is to make a nose drop solution by adding a teaspoon of honey into a cup of hot distilled water followed by quarter teaspoon of salt and mixed them. With an eyedropper applies 5 to 7 drops into your nasal.

Herbal Steam Inhalation

Steam helps to moisten and soothe irritated passages.

It is a powerful and less costly way of reducing respiratory infection cause by excess mucus that lodged in your cavities.

A more therapeutic way is to inhale herbal steam generated by adding herbs to boiling water.

This hydrotherapy is easy to implement and works well to help you breathe normally and to discharge mucus faster.

Its ease of use has gain popularity as a home remedies to relieve all types of respiratory conditions.

You can boil any herbs that have anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties or those that contain menthols. Our aim here is to get rid of infection by unblocking the nose.

If you do this two to four times per day you will start to see improvement in your symptoms.

Peppermint, eucalyptus, wintergreen, ginger, thyme, sage, oregano are example of the types of herbs you can use.

But you don't have to restrict yourself to herbs only as some of my readers add essential oil such as oregano and eucalyptus and inhale the vapors.

I do think this works far better than the extracting the roots and leaves of the plants with water.

Thin and Drain Mucus

One best way to thin mucus and promote drainage is to drink plenty of fluids.

Drinking and inhaling steam from herbal tea is the fastest and easiest way to thin and loosen infected mucus. Do this several times a day followed by blowing out excess secretions to prevent blockage.

Sinus Rinse and Irrigation To Promote Drainage

Rinsing sinuses may seems uncomfortable for some people but this technique if use correctly few times a day can actually reduce secretions and remove infected mucus completely.

The aim here is to flush out the sinus cavities, loosen stubborn mucus and to keep the membrane lining clean and clear.

A simple and yet effective method is to spray saline directly into your nose. This salt solution with anti-microbial properties can kill most micro-organisms that reside in the cavities.

You can make your own saline wash solution at home with unprocessed salt which is better for your inflamed lining.

Saline Mist

Unlike steam and rinse, using a device such as a vaporizer to emit fine mist directly into your nose is another fast and effective way to soothe your stuffy nose, open nasal, reduces congestion and to promote drainage.

Taking Decongestant

Decongestants are often taken to break up painful congestion.

There are many natural decongestants that work as well as OTC (over-the-counter) medicines without the side effects.

A good example is onion, Japanese wasabi, steam as mentioned above or any spicy foods.

Cutting a raw onion has an immediate effect on thick mucus and also get your tears flowing.

Wash Hands

Keeping hands clean is an important practice to prevent the spread of germs and other viruses.

And when your sinuses are bad, you should wash hands after blowing your nose each time to stop bacteria from re-entering the nasal passage and other parts of your body.

Remember to throw away infected tissues immediately after use.

Consider Pressure

Apply gentle pressure with the pads of your fingers on both sides of your nose and between your eyebrows can alleviate pain and improve blood circulation to the membrane that lined the cavities.

Use Warm Compress

A warm compress when place over infected sinus region can prove to be effective as it help to reduce facial pain, headaches and thin mucus in congested cavities for easy expulsion.

You can either steam or place a warm towel over your face. I like to add few drops of eucalyptus oils or menthol for that extra effect.

Besides warm towel, you can also crush fresh ginger roots and applied on your forehead to stimulate circulation.